Dakota Johnson's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - December 19th 2024, 15:00 GMT+1

2024 12 31 10 06 news — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Dakota Johnson appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © Dakota Johnson

Cropped Madame Web — 20. Madame Web (2024)

Well, *Madame Web* might be remembered for being one of those "wait, what?" movies where you leave the theater thinking, "Did I just watch a Marvel film... or a fever dream?" Dakota Johnson plays the title role of Madame Web, a clairvoyant superhero in the Spider-Man universe. Sadly, this movie is more about building a universe than actually telling a compelling story.

The plot is muddled, the action scenes fall flat, and Johnson's performance, while perfectly fine, struggles to shine in a world that doesn't quite know what it wants to be. It's one of those films that tries to be part origin story, part superhero adventure, but ends up lost in a sea of confusion. Maybe next time, the web can be a bit less tangled. | © Sony Pictures

Cropped How to Be Single — 19. How to Be Single (2016)

*How to Be Single* is the classic romantic comedy where you’ve got all the right ingredients – cute women, quirky characters, and a whole lot of New York City – but it doesn’t quite manage to cook up something satisfying. Dakota Johnson plays Alice, a woman trying to navigate her life and relationships after a breakup. While the film tries to be empowering, it often veers into clichés and forced comedy.

Dakota’s charm is undeniable, but the script doesn't give her enough to work with beyond the typical "finding yourself" tropes. Still, there’s something comforting about watching her and Rebel Wilson share goofy moments, even if the movie ultimately fails to make you laugh or care too deeply. At least it's a perfect background flick for a lazy weekend. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Fifty Shades Freed — 18. Fifty Shades Freed (2018)

*Fifty Shades Freed* is the third and final installment of the *Fifty Shades* saga, and let's just say it's not going out with a bang. Dakota Johnson reprises her role as Anastasia Steele, now married to the brooding billionaire Christian Grey (played by Jamie Dornan). Unfortunately, this movie spends more time on the glossy, over-the-top romance and less on... you know, plot.

While Dakota does her best to give Anastasia some semblance of depth, the script doesn't offer much more than repetitive scenes of tension, eye-roll-worthy dialogue, and, of course, more steamy moments that try (and fail) to recapture the magic of the previous films. It's fine if you're into it for the *Fifty Shades* lore, but as a stand-alone movie? Not so much. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Fifty Shades Darker — 17. Fifty Shades Darker (2017)

*Fifty Shades Darker* is the second movie in the *Fifty Shades* franchise, and it’s clear that the story is starting to run on fumes. Dakota Johnson’s Anastasia is back in the arms of Christian Grey, but this time, it's all about *dark secrets* and *jealousy –* aka, things that could have been intriguing if the film wasn’t so preoccupied with showing us unnecessary dramatic plot twists.

Dakota and Jamie Dornan continue to have great chemistry, but that can only do so much when the story feels like a soap opera with a bigger budget. The pacing drags, and there’s an overload of melodrama with little payoff. However, if you're here for the scandals, the seductive glances, and the obligatory elevator scene, *Fifty Shades Darker* does deliver. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Fifty Shades of Grey — 16. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

*Fifty Shades of Grey* is where it all began – love it or hate it, this film is an undeniable cultural moment. Dakota Johnson’s performance as Anastasia Steele has been praised for bringing some much-needed depth to a character who, in the books, often felt one-dimensional.

She plays the shy, introverted student who gets swept into the whirlwind relationship with Christian Grey, and while some of the dialogue is cringey (ahem, *"I don’t make love, I f****") and the plot is shaky at best, Dakota gives her all. It’s also worth noting that this movie did bring the world an iconic elevator scene and a soundtrack full of sensual bangers. Does the movie have flaws? Absolutely. But Dakota’s performance and her ability to make a complicated character relatable was the one thing that made it work, even if the rest of the film was, let’s say, *questionable.* | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Date and Switch — 15. Date and Switch (2014)

*Date and Switch* is the kind of goofy teen comedy that you probably won't remember a day after watching it, but hey, it's an easy watch for a lazy afternoon. Dakota Johnson plays a supporting role in this high school comedy about two best friends navigating their sexuality. The plot is predictable, the jokes are hit or miss, and while Dakota’s character isn’t particularly groundbreaking, she does bring some charm to her role.

Unfortunately, the movie often feels like it's trying too hard to be "edgy" without ever really committing to anything. If you’re looking for a smart teen flick, this one misses the mark. But if you like your comedy with a side of awkwardness and predictability, well, it’ll do the trick. | © Lionsgate

Cropped The Social Network — 14. The Social Network (2010)

*The Social Network* is a certified masterpiece that earned Dakota Johnson a blink-and-you-missed-it cameo as one of the "girls" in the movie’s opening scene. While the film is iconic in its portrayal of Facebook's rise, Dakota's role is so small it feels like she could have been replaced by a lamp in the background. But hey, she was in it, and that counts for something, right?

This film is definitely not about Dakota, though – it’s all about Aaron Sorkin's rapid-fire script, Jesse Eisenberg’s powerhouse performance as Mark Zuckerberg, and the iconic drama that surrounded the creation of Facebook. So while we would have loved to see more of Dakota, we’ll just have to settle for her being part of this tech-age masterpiece in a very tiny way. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Persuasion — 13. Persuasion (2022)

*Persuasion* is Dakota Johnson’s take on the classic Jane Austen novel, and while we applaud her for stepping into such a revered role, the film’s execution is, well, a bit of a mess. The adaptation’s modern, almost "contemporary" sensibility doesn’t quite gel with Austen’s witty, period-specific tone, and Dakota’s breezy, casual approach as Anne Elliot feels a bit out of place.

While Dakota’s charm is undeniable, her character’s supposed emotional depth is overshadowed by an odd directorial choice to include fourth-wall-breaking moments, making it hard to take anything seriously. The whole film feels more like a rom-com set in Regency England than a heartfelt drama. It’s a charming mess, but unfortunately, the stakes aren’t as high as they should be for such a beloved tale. | © Netflix

Cropped 21 Jump Street — 12. 21 Jump Street (2012)

*21 Jump Street* is one of those rare reboots that actually works – mainly because it doesn’t take itself seriously for a second. Dakota Johnson’s role is brief but memorable as the tough-as-nails police officer, and she brings a lot of fun to what could’ve been a forgettable character. The film itself is a hilarious, action-packed romp, blending buddy cop comedy with a high school setting.

Dakota, as part of the ensemble, doesn’t have much to do other than kick some butt, but she does it with flair. While the film belongs more to Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, Dakota’s contribution still adds a nice edge. It’s not a movie you’re going to rewatch for Dakota, but it’s a solid, action-packed comedy. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped The Five Year Engagement — 11. The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

*The Five-Year Engagement* might have you wondering, “How did this one slip through the cracks?” With a premise about a couple whose engagement keeps getting delayed, the movie leans heavily into quirky humor and awkward situations, but it’s not as endearing as it wants to be. Dakota Johnson plays a supporting role here, and while she’s charming, the movie is more focused on the *will-they-or-won’t-they* tension between the leads (Jason Segel and Emily Blunt).

The pacing drags a bit in the middle, and the humor, though silly at times, can feel forced. Still, Johnson's performance is fun to watch, and there’s enough heart to keep you from entirely checking out. But for a five-year engagement, it feels like it could’ve been trimmed down to a much snappier film. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Am I OK — 10. Am I OK? (2022)

*Am I OK?* is one of those low-key, introspective dramedies that you watch on a lazy afternoon when you want something that feels like a hug, but maybe doesn’t quite hit the mark. Dakota Johnson stars as Lucy, a woman navigating life and love in Los Angeles while dealing with some personal self-discovery. The movie’s heart is in the right place, but its pacing can feel a bit sluggish at times, and the humor doesn’t always land.

Dakota gives a solid performance, but unfortunately, her character doesn’t have the depth to make this one more than a forgettable indie flick. It’s the kind of movie that’s enjoyable in the moment but leaves little lasting impact, which is a shame because Dakota’s range as an actress deserves better. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Suspiria — 9. Suspiria (2018)

If you want to see Dakota Johnson in something totally different, *Suspiria* is here to deliver just that – an eerie, avant-garde horror remake where she plays an innocent (but seriously troubled) dancer caught in a sinister Berlin dance academy. It’s dark, it’s strange, and it’s bloody – very bloody. Dakota’s performance as Susie, a character who slowly descends into something much darker than a simple dance student, is undeniably captivating, but *Suspiria* is not a movie that holds your hand.

It’s a complex and artsy film that may confuse more than entertain. If you’re into horror that’s more than just jump scares and want to see Dakota in a completely unrecognizable role, this one’s for you. But for the uninitiated, prepare for a wild ride through the bizarre and uncomfortable. | © Amazon Studios

Cropped The High Note — 8. The High Note (2020)

*The High Note* is a breezy, feel-good musical drama that might make you want to pick up a guitar and live out your pop star fantasies. Dakota Johnson plays Maggie, a talented assistant who dreams of being more than just her celebrity client’s (played by Tracee Ellis Ross) go-to girl. The movie has an easy, comforting vibe, but it doesn’t exactly break new ground.

Dakota gives her character a relatable, down-to-earth charm that’s fun to watch, but the film itself often gets bogged down by clichés. Still, if you're looking for something light, heartwarming, and with a killer soundtrack, *The High Note* delivers. Dakota shines in her role, even if the movie feels like it’s reaching for more than it can grasp. | © Focus Features

Cropped Black Mass — 7. Black Mass (2015)

In *Black Mass*, Dakota Johnson is part of a star-studded cast in this gritty, crime drama about the rise of infamous gangster Whitey Bulger (Johnny Depp). Dakota plays a minor, yet significant role as the girlfriend of Bulger’s brother, Billy (Benedict Cumberbatch), and while she’s surrounded by powerhouse performances, she holds her own.

The film itself is brutal, intense, and filled with morally grey characters, and Dakota’s character is no exception, adding emotional weight to the story. While she doesn’t get as much screen time as some of the other actors, her performance adds subtle depth to the film’s heavy narrative. It’s an interesting departure from her usual roles, but unfortunately, it’s not a film that lets her truly shine. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Bad Times at the El Royale — 6. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

*Bad Times at the El Royale* is one of those ensemble films where everyone’s got a secret, and things get messy in the most stylish way. Dakota Johnson plays a mysterious, sharp-eyed woman who walks into a shady motel with a plan. The film is dripping with suspense, style, and enough twists to give you whiplash, and Dakota’s performance fits right in with the film’s tone.

She’s a little dangerous, a little vulnerable, and a lot of fun to watch as the film’s secrets start to unravel. It’s a stylish ride from start to finish, and while it’s not the most profound film, it’s absolutely entertaining. Dakota does a fantastic job balancing the film's noir vibes with her own brand of mystery, proving that she can absolutely pull off the “girl with a dark secret” role. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped A Bigger Splash — 5. A Bigger Splash (2015)

In *A Bigger Splash*, Dakota Johnson plays the provocative and unpredictable daughter of a rock star (played by Tilda Swinton). This film is a heady mix of sun-drenched Italian landscapes, simmering tension, and offbeat characters. While the film mostly focuses on Tilda and Ralph Fiennes' wild performances, Dakota makes a lasting impression as a character whose youthful energy adds chaos to an already explosive dynamic.

Her role is a bit of a wild card, and the film’s slow-burn tension is both its strength and its flaw – if you’re in the right mood, you’ll love the ride, but if not, you might feel like it drags on forever. Johnson handles her role with a captivating balance of vulnerability and fire, making it hard to look away from her every move. While the film as a whole is a bit of an art-house indulgence, Dakota’s performance keeps things interesting. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Our Friend — 4. Our Friend (2019)

*Our Friend* is the type of movie that tugs at your heartstrings, but doesn’t exactly make you reach for the tissues. Dakota Johnson plays Nicole, a woman battling terminal cancer, and while her performance is moving, it’s the ensemble cast (including Casey Affleck and Jason Segel) that makes the film’s emotional weight feel more real. It’s a lovely, if somewhat predictable, exploration of friendship and loss, and Dakota's performance does not shy away from the vulnerability of her character.

While the movie can occasionally feel like it's trying too hard to be "inspirational," it’s still a solid watch for fans of more introspective dramas. Dakota handles her role with grace, showing off her range in a more serious and heart-wrenching performance. However, the film’s pacing could leave you wanting more emotional payoff by the end. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Cha Cha Real Smooth — 3. Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)

In *Cha Cha Real Smooth*, Dakota Johnson gets to show off her ability to balance charm with emotional depth in this coming-of-age drama. She plays Domino, a single mom who forms a bond with a young man (played by Cooper Raiff) as they navigate the tricky waters of adult life. The film is playful, heartfelt, and totally charming – and Dakota is the perfect foil to Raiff’s sweet, quirky protagonist.

While the story can feel a little too “feel-good” at times, Johnson’s performance keeps it grounded. She’s relatable, natural, and brings complexity to a character who could have easily been a simple love interest. The chemistry between Dakota and Cooper is electric, making you root for them even when the movie dips into predictable territory. It’s one of those films that’s easy to watch and harder to forget. | © Apple Original Films

Cropped The Peanut Butter Falcon — 2. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

*The Peanut Butter Falcon* is one of those feel-good indie gems that will leave you smiling long after the credits roll. Dakota Johnson plays Eleanor, a no-nonsense social worker who’s tasked with looking after Zack (Zack Gottsagen), a man with Down syndrome who dreams of becoming a pro wrestler. While the film mainly focuses on the beautiful friendship between Zack and Shia LaBeouf’s character, Dakota brings a much-needed tenderness and groundedness to the story.

Her character’s development is sweet and heartfelt, and she manages to balance the serious with the whimsical. This film feels like a warm hug, and Dakota adds to that vibe with her steady, down-to-earth performance. While she doesn’t steal the show (Zack Gottsagen and Shia LaBeouf do that), she holds her own and gives a performance that’s understated but essential to the film’s emotional arc. | © Roadside Attractions

Cropped The Lost Daughter — 1. The Lost Daughter (2021)

*The Lost Daughter* is a masterclass in subtlety, and Dakota Johnson is one of the standout elements of this dark, psychological drama. Playing Nina, a young mother who crosses paths with the introspective Leda (Olivia Colman), Dakota takes on a role that’s emotional and intense, without ever going over the top. The film delves deep into the complexities of motherhood, guilt, and desire, and Dakota brings a raw authenticity to her portrayal.

Her character is complicated, vulnerable, and somewhat elusive, but Dakota makes her entirely relatable and heartbreakingly real. With Olivia Colman’s powerhouse performance stealing much of the attention, Dakota still manages to hold her own and create a lasting impact. It’s a brilliant film, and her work here is a key part of its success. This is Dakota Johnson at her finest – complex, nuanced, and deeply affecting. | © Netflix

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Welcome to the ultimate Dakota Johnson ranking, where we take a deep dive into the actress's top 20 movie roles, from "what were they thinking?" to pure cinematic genius. Dakota has spent the last decade proving that she’s more than just Fifty Shades – and we’re here to celebrate the full range of her film career, from quirky indie hits to big-budget blockbusters.

Whether she's playing the understated love interest, the misunderstood artist, or even taking on a darkly comedic role, Dakota's got versatility for days. So buckle up for a fun, no-holds-barred ride through her career, as we rank her movies from the "meh" to the "mesmerizing." Get ready to discover where your favorites land – and maybe, just maybe, you'll find a new Dakota classic to add to your watchlist. Let the ranking begin!